Neuroendocrine Tumors and Niacin Supplements

What are your recommendations regarding niacin supplements? Should you take them if you have NETs, if so, how much?

Answer

Nevena Damjanov, MD, Medical Oncologist at Penn Medicine responds.

Niacin supplements are used to treat pellagra, a disease caused by severe niacin deficiency. Some people with carcinoid develop niacin deficiency because the tryptophan is used for excess serotonin production (causing carcinoid symptoms). In that case, niacin supplementation is recommended. Your doctor would recommend a dose at that time.